Cowgills, part of Sumer Group, Expands with IN Accountancy Partnership

The merger with the South Manchester firm, strengthens Cowgills presence in the North West and supports ambitious growth target

Leading North West accountancy firm Cowgills, part of top 11 accountancy practice Sumer, has announced it has joined forces with Hazel Grove based IN Accountancy, strengthening its footprint in the North West.

The partnership enhances Cowgills North West presence with the addition of a South Manchester office, complementing its existing locations in Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool and Wigan, increasing its team to 300 professionals.

Led by Sarah Harkness and Andrew Tyler, IN Accountancy has built a strong reputation for supporting owner-managed businesses, SMEs and growing companies across Stockport and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2012, the firm was established to move away from traditional compliance-heavy models, recognising a gap in the market for a more commercial, advisory-led approach.

Cowgills joined the Sumer Group in early 2024, gaining the backing to execute an ambitious growth strategy, focusing on firms that align with its entrepreneurial ethos and dynamic culture. IN Accountancy’s team of professionals will join Sumer Group’s growing team of over 3,000 colleagues across more than 60+ offices nationwide.

Paul Stringer, managing partner at Cowgills, commented:“Our priority has always been to work with firms that complement our culture and bring real commercial strength to the business. IN Accountancy is a strong fit on both fronts, their deep understanding of owner-managed businesses and their established presence in Stockport make them a natural partner.

“With Stockport now recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the North West and at the centre of one of the UK’s largest regeneration programmes, this move significantly strengthens our position in a key growth market and we’re incredibly excited to welcome them to Cowgills.”

Sarah Harkness, IN Accountancy, added:

“We’ve built IN Accountancy around close relationships with our clients and a real understanding of the businesses we support across Stockport. It was important to us that any partnership enhanced that, not changed it. From our first conversations, it was clear that Cowgills shares that same mindset.

“This next step allows us to continue delivering the service our clients value, while opening up exciting new opportunities for our colleagues to develop and progress their careers within a larger firm.”

IN Accountancy was advised by Manchester based Lockett Loveday McMahon, and Cowgills Vialex.

For more information about Cowgills, visit www.cowgills.co.uk.